In an interview with BBC6Music, bassist Murdoc blamed Perry's boyfriend Russell Brand for the collaboration never happening.

He said: “Katy Perry - she's been after a guest spot for ages and I tried to turn her down. No, I couldn't work with the woman while she's got Russell Brand all over her.

"I wouldn't invite anybody that I didn't admire. There are lots of different methods to get this sort of talent on this sort of record. One way is you can phone them up and ask them. That's one way."

Murdoc added: "The Gorillaz name goes a long way now. Much further than it did at the beginning.”

The cartoon group are actually masterminded by Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. Their new album is released Monday and 'does 'feature Mos Def, Lou Reed, Snoop Dogg, De La Soul and Kano, amongst others.